NPA begins campaign to prevent Ebola virus spread

In recognition of its vulnerability as gateway to the nation’s economy, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, has issued guidelines to port operators, especially first line contact officers, so as to avoid the risk of the dreaded Ebola Virus.

The NPA Boss who made his observation, while sympathizing with those who contacted the Ebola virus in the course of duty, also particularly cautioned against negligence when dealing with foreigners and vulnerable group, pointing out that quality service delivery must not be compromised, even while ensuring that the port facilities are Ebola Virus-free.

Giving an insight into what NPA has done, he disclosed that, measures put in place include: the commencement of Enlightenment campaign about the origin, symptoms, mode of spread, identifying people at high risk, diagnosis, containment and prevention of infection.

Similarly, the medical department of the authority has equally issued guidelines to all its medical personnel on protection and prevention measures to be adopted in the discharge of their duties.

“These precautionary measures to be instilled in the workplace environment and in the Port terminals will be carried out in collaboration with the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Division of the Authority and the Port Health”, indicated Mallam Abdullahi, noting that, the measures were in line with the information from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Ebola virus disease (EVD) has remained one of the world’s most virulent diseases, with a case fatality rate as high as 90%, according WHO. The infection is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected animals or people. EVD is often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, and followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function. In some cases, there is both internal and external bleeding.

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